This is where the belated Christmas happiness is wrapped up

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The Germans donated almost 400,000 packages for “Christmas in a shoebox”. A lot of things could only be sent now because of Corona.

The next Christmas Eve is only eleven months away … In Europe’s largest charitable Christmas workshop in Lankwitz, there was brisk activity again at the weekend. Or better: still!

Of course, the children are particularly happy about such dolls (Photo: Olaf Selchow)

Because the volunteers from “Christmas in a shoebox” had not yet packed all 389,350 (!) packages because of Corona. “Some helpers were a bit reluctant because of the pandemic,” says Alexander Becker (40), head of the campaign, “but company celebrations, some of which start with a shift in our workshop, were canceled due to the corona.” That’s why the volunteers are still doing extra shifts now one.

Noah Menzel (18) from Zehlendorf:
Noah Menzel (18) from Zehlendorf: “I’m responsible for logistics. We stack the finished packages, in which there are several shoeboxes. Then we load them onto the trucks that drive on to Eastern Europe. I was there last year and have now met many people from back then” (Photo: Olaf Selchow)

“The packed shoeboxes come here from all over Germany and are checked,” says Becker. Not all gifts are allowed! Cash and groceries, for example, but also used toys are prohibited due to customs problems.

Are the shoeboxes ok? Then they are sorted in large packages according to age and gender (Photo: Olaf Selchow)
Are the shoeboxes ok? Then they are sorted in large packages according to age and gender (Photo: Olaf Selchow)

Volunteer Antje P. (42) from Adlershof sorts out the used Duplo building blocks, leaving the pink Barbie in the original packaging. “The children should also hold something special and new in their hands,” says the 42-year-old mother. If this leaves a gap in the box, she fills the space with other donated toys.

Antje P. (42) with her children Niclas (9) and Alina (14) from Adlershof have been there for many years:
Antje P. (42) with her children Niclas (9) and Alina (14) from Adlershof have been there for many years: “The children will certainly still be happy about the presents after Christmas.” It’s winter, and some children even know not what a real Christmas party looks like. The most beautiful are the shoeboxes, where everything is packed with a lot of love” (Photo: Olaf Selchow)

“A mixture of hygiene articles, school supplies and a wow gift, i.e. a special toy, is perfect,” says Alexander Becker.

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The shoeboxes are then sorted by age group and gender. “I used to work in the packaging industry, I know my way around there,” says helper Andreas Hagen (49) from Schorfheide.

Andreas Hagen (49) from Schorfheide:
Andreas Hagen (49) from Schorfheide: “It’s my first time and we’re making it a real family event. When I got to the workshop, it was kind of crazy. It felt like a flashback to the pre-Christmas period” (Photo: Olaf Selchow)

The large boxes are then sent to the logistics department via a conveyor belt, where they are stacked and loaded.

The boxes are loaded with the forklift into the truck, which drives on to Romania (Photo: Olaf Selchow)
The boxes are loaded with the forklift into the truck, which drives on to Romania (Photo: Olaf Selchow)

This time the truck drives the shoeboxes to Romania. “There they are distributed in problem areas,” says the boss, emphasizing: “Every needy child should get a shoebox like this once in their life.”

By the way: From October, “Christmas in a Shoe Box” is looking for new helpers. Information at: www.weihnachts-im-schuhkarton.org

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